Nigeria funeral attack: At least 65 killed in mass shooting ‘by Boko Haram militants’
Islamist group thought to be behind deadly assault on group returning from funeral
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 65 people died in an attack by suspected Islamists on a group returning from a funeral in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno region, state television reported on Sunday, one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Boko Haram group and rival Islamic State in West Africa (Iswa) splinter group have often carried out attacks in the area.
Local government chairman Mohammed Bulama was quoted as saying on state television that the assailants killed 21 people returning from the funeral in a village near the state capital Maiduguri on Saturday.
Another 44 people died when they tried to regroup to defend themselves. Others were injured, he said, meaning the death toll may rise further.
The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday condemned the attack and directed the military to hunt down the perpetrators, a statement from the presidential office said.
Borno state is the epicentre of the Boko Haram and Iswa insurgency. The conflict has lasted a decade, during which time the militants have killed thousands and millions have fled from their homes in the region.
Resident Bakura Mallam Amadu said he saw the insurgents gather before firing on the funeral attendees. A security source said Islamists attacked on motorbikes and in vans.
Nigeria’s military declined to comment.
Mr Buhari won a second term in February promising to improve security in Nigeria. Nigeria’s government says Boko Haram and Iswa have been largely defeated and driven out of territory they once held, but they continue to attack both civilian and military targets.
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments